to stay home alone was a day I celebrated. I never had the heart to argue with Dad about going to the brewery. It was his life’s work. He worked so hard and he was so proud of the company’s growth. And whether I like to admit it or not, I’ve always been the type of person who kept my feelings inside. I’m not into sharing my emotions. I’ve always wanted to do what’s been asked of me and do the right thing. My brothers have always called me a suck-up when it came to Dad and a pushover when it came to everyone else. I just don’t have it in me to fight and argue. You’ll win every time simply because I don’t have any interest in being right or winning.
When we pull into the drive, Celeste comes out holding a baby in her arms. She’s wearing a wide smile and waving, her blonde hair blowing in the light summer breeze. I’ve only met Celeste one time, but I remember her being kind and welcoming.
“Are you sure she’s not going to have a problem with this?” I ask, opening my door to climb out.
“Yes, it was her idea,” he says, stepping out and moving toward the back to get my bag.
The two of us walk up to the porch. Celeste quickly kisses Drake before moving over to me. She gives me a one-armed hug as she holds the baby with the other.
“It’s good to see you again,” she says, squeezing me tightly.
I hug her gently, afraid of hurting the baby in her arms. “It’s nice to see you again too. How have you been? How’s this little guy?” I take his small hand in mine and shake it gently back and forth. He offers up a toothless grin.
“Good, getting bigger every day. You guys hungry? Dinner is ready,” she says, looking between the two of us.
I nod. “I’m starving. I haven’t eaten real food all day.”
We all move inside the house where the kitchen table is already set for three. In the center is a platter that holds grilled chicken smothered in garlic butter. The chicken sits on a bed of mushrooms and onions. There’s mashed potatoes, some fresh vegetables, and dinner rolls. Just smelling the food makes my mouth water. I can’t tell you the last time I was able to just sit down and eat good food with good company.
Celeste goes to lay the baby down while Drake and I start making our plates.
“This all smells delicious,” I say, scooping out a big portion of mashed potatoes.
He laughs as he watches me. “Been a while since you ate real food, huh?”
“That’s okay, Hudson. You eat all that you can handle,” Celeste says, taking her seat between Drake and me.
I offer her a kind smile. “Thank you, Celeste.” I shoot Drake a look that causes him to laugh.
Once I have my plate made, I sit down and start eating. Being in the military, I’m used to scarfing it down. I’ve done it so long now that I don’t know how to eat at a normal pace anymore. When I look up, Celeste and Drake are both starting at me.
“What?” I ask, mouth full of food as I look down at my nearly empty plate and then to their full ones. “Oh, I forgot I’m not in the mess hall. Sorry.” I forced myself to swallow the food in my mouth.
Celeste, the sweet, kindhearted woman she is, smiles. “You’re just fine, Hudson. I’m sure all you need is just time to adjust to this new life. What do you plan on doing next?” She places the smallest bit of chicken in her mouth.
I wipe my mouth with the cloth napkin on my lap and take a drink of the beer I was given. I shrug. “I honestly have no idea just yet. I wasn’t exactly planning this. I mean, in a weird way, it feels like I just got out of high school and I’m trying to pick a path all over again. I never thought I’d be out of the military this early in my life.”
She nods, understanding. “Well, I’m sure Drake has something for you down at the brewery,” she mentions.
Drake speaks up. “I already offered. Hudson needs something a little more, what word did you use? Adventurous,” he says, the corners of his mouth lifting upward.
Celeste lets out a giggle. “I’m sure sitting behind a desk doesn’t seem like much fun compared to dodging bullets as